Isolation of carbapenem‐resistant <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> and other Gram‐negative ESKAPE organisms from samples of raw‐meat diets for dogs in the UK

Abstract Background Gram‐negative ESKAPE organisms are an emerging threat in veterinary medicine that also have zoonotic potential. However, little is known about the prevalence and risks of these organisms in pet food. We present the incidental finding of gram‐negative ESKAPE organisms within samples of raw meat diets for dogs in the United Kingdom. Methods Samples of commercially available frozen raw‐meat diets for dogs ( n = 110) underwent bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Bacterial species were identified via matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation‐time of flight mass spectrometry. Sequence types and resistance genes were determined by whole‐genome sequencing. Results Antimicrobial‐resistant Acinetobacter baumannii complex, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp. were isolated from eight, 10 and four samples, respectively. Isolates demonstrated phenotypic resistance to highest‐priority critically important antibiotics, including meropenem ( P. aeruginosa ). Key acquired resistance genes were identified. Limitations The microbiological methods used may not have been optimal for isolation of Gram‐negative ESKAPE organisms. Conclusion The findings of this study further highlight the potential One Health risks associated with feeding dogs raw‐meat diets.